Enforcement

Paul Hill d/b/a Alternative Energy Windows and Siding

Overview of Company and Location

Paul Hill d/b/a Alternative Energy Windows and Siding (the Company) is located in Concord, New Hampshire. The settlement involves renovation activities conducted at property constructed prior to 1978, located in Concord, New Hampshire.

Violations

The settlement resolves alleged violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule), 40 C.F.R. Part 745, Subpart E. In the settlement, the United States alleges that the Company failed to comply with the requirement to:

Obtain initial certification.

Assign a certified renovator.

Provide the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet.

Properly cover the ground.

Pollutant Reductions

It is expected that potential lead exposures and environmental contamination will be significantly reduced because the Company has taken prompt steps to come into compliance with the enforcement order.

Health and Environmental Effects

Lead exposure affects the nervous system and can cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and younger are most at risk. If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:

Damage to the brain and nervous system

Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity

Slowed growth

Hearing problems

Headaches

Anemia

In rare cases of acute lead poisoning from ingestion of lead, seizures, coma and even death.

Lead can accumulate in our bodies over time, where it is stored in bones along with calcium. During pregnancy, lead is released from bones as maternal calcium is used to help form the bones of the fetus. This is particularly true if a woman does not have enough dietary calcium. Lead can also be easily circulated from the mother's blood stream through the placenta to the fetus. Mothers with high levels of lead in their bodies can expose their developing fetuses, resulting in serious and developmental problems including:

Civil Penalty

The settlement requires the Company to pay a civil penalty of zero dollars. The penalty was reduced based on the Company’s ability to pay and the Company’s qualification as a micro-business under the penalty program for micro-businesses.